Vespers
 
 
 
At Cleveland Park Congregational UCC VESPERS is
An opening and welcoming service, affirming people of diverse faith backgrounds, ethnic and racial identities, sexual orientation, marital status, age, education, political and social views.
A musical experience where those who attend share their skills and styles of celebration.
A service with time for contemplation, meditation and prayer.
A forum where the questions and issues of today enter a dialogue with the voices from Scripture.
A spiritual community where your intelligence is not insulted, the knowledge you bring is affirmed and where you need not check your brain at the door.
A group of friends who want to hear how your week really was, to know what you feel and to work together for the good of each other, the wider community of Washington and of all the people of God’s Green Earth.
An opportunity to Worship God and serve those in need.
A GREAT WAY TO END ONE WEEK AND BEGIN THE NEXT!
 
                
 
                  
 
According to the dictionary:
 
ves·pers also Ves·pers  (vsprz)
pl.n. (used with a sing. or pl. verb)
1. Ecclesiastical
a. The sixth of the seven canonical hours.
b. A worship service held in the late afternoon or evening in many Western Christian churches.
c. The time of day appointed for this service.
2. Evensong.
3. Roman Catholic Church A service held on Sundays or holy days that includes the office of vespers.  F
You are invited to our new Contemplative, Casual celebration of worship with communion every week at 7:00 p.m.
 
  1. •For Easter, we will hold Vespers on Saturday evening as an Easter Vigil at 7:00 p.m. No Vespers on Easter Sunday
  2. • Celebrate the coming of Easter in this new service of Easter Vigil.
  3. •This is a come as you are service.  It is INCLUSIVE, CONTEMPLATIVE AND CASUAL!
Order of Service Gathering Music “Hand In the Hand” Put your hand in the hand of the one who stills the waters Put your hand in the hand of the one who calms the sea Take a look at yourself and you will look at others differently By putting your hand in the hand of the one from Galilee “When the Saints Go Marching In” Oh when the saints go marching in (2x) O Lord I want to be in that number When the Saints go marching in When the air is pure and clean... When we all have food to eat... When our leaders learn to cry.... Announcements and Words of Welcome Prayer of Praise and Introspection Silent Time of Meditation and Prayer Musical Offering  “Any Dream Will Do” Any Dream Will Do Scripture Isaiah 5:8-24 Message Justice Rev. Kenneth D. Fuller Prayers of the People We invite all to be a part of the prayer. As you feel moved please pray for those who need strength and support and give thanks for all the blessings you have received. Offering Gifts of treasure are welcomed but not expected; prayer requests and question cards are in the pew and can be placed in the offering plate. Invitation to Communion (responsive) Jesus said: I am the bread of life. You who come to me shall not hunger; you who believe in me shall never thirst. In company with all who hunger for spiritual food, we come to this table to know the risen Christ in the sharing of this life-giving bread. Words of Institution Prayer Sharing of the Bread and Cup Prayer of Thanksgiving (unison) We thank you, God, for renewing our faith, strengthening our hope, and kindling our love. Through the power of the living Christ, at work in us, grant that we shall walk in newness of life. Amen. May the Peace of Christ be with you. And also with you. Passing the Peace Share with one another signs of Christ’s peace. Closing Music “Simple Gifts” 'Tis a gift to be simple, 'Tis a gift to be free, 'Tis a gift to come down where we ought to be, And when we find ourselves in the place just right, It will be in the valley of love and delight. When true simplicity is gained, to bow and to bend, we will not be ashamed To turn, turn, will be our delight, 'Til by turning, turning, we come round right. The earth is the Lord's and the fullness thereof Its streets, its slums, as well as stars above Salvation is here where we laugh, where we cry Where we seek and love, where we live and die When the true liberty is found By fear and by hate we will no more be bound In love and in life we will find new birth In peace and in freedom redeem the earth Sending Forth